Today is the First Sunday of Advent Sunday and our focus this week is on the Patriarchs who journeyed in hope of the coming of the Messiah.

Our readings and liturgy direct us towards Christ's birth and we endeavour to do so with a sense of alert watchfulness, and our fundamental Advent prayer remains 'Maranatha' - 'Our Lord, come' (1 Cor. 16:22).

Our readings this week come from Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 12:11-14, and Matthew 24:36-44.

Our hymns are, 'Come, thou long-expected Jesus', and 'Lo! he comes with clouds descending'.

You may wish to have an advent wreath or candle to hand as we light this during our service.

A service booklet to accompany this service can be downloaded from the benefice website www.stourvalley.org.uk.

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All are invited to attend this Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse In-Person Training (lasting approx. 4hrs)

To attend this In-Person Course you need to reserve your space:
https://insight.cofesuffolk.org/page/1/?s=Raising%20Awareness

This Course is also available to complete online in your own home (http://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org/)

Once you have completed the training to the level required for your role, the highest core level needs to be refreshed every three years.

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Come and join us in Clare Parish Church for Coffee, Cake and Chat!

Fair trade Coffee, Delicious Cakes, and a change to meet up with friends old and new.

No Charge - but Donations Welcome.

Children's activities also available.

We look forward to welcoming the Choir of Jesus College, Cambridge for a festive concert of seasonal favourites.

The evening will also include opportunities for the audience to join in with well-loved carols.

Doors will open at 5.30pm with the concert beginning at 6pm, with an expected finish time of about 7pm

(Please note that there is no reserved seating, so audience members will be seated on a first arrived, first seated basis)

This will be a popular event so the advance purchase of tickets (£15 + Booking/Card Fee) is recommended.

Any unsold tickets will be available for purchase on the door, but availability cannot be guaranteed.

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All are welcome to join us for a wonderful Carol Service where we can sing the familiar carols and listen to the timeless story of the birth of Jesus.

All are welcome to join us for a wonderful Carol Service where we can sing the familiar carols and listen to the timeless story of the birth of Jesus.

Join us for a simple service of Evening Prayer.

Marc Ravel performs an intimate concert with lots of Michael Bublé's festive favourites and some classic Christmas songs from the likes of Bing Crosby, Andy Williams and Nat King Cole. A Christmas treat not to be missed.

Online Advance Tickets £8 (plus booking fee)
Any remaining Tickets will be available on the door £10.

Advanced booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

A special service for the younger members of our community.

Come along and sing some of your favourite Christmas Carols and hear the story of the very first Christmas.

Why not dress up as one of characters from the story! (a Wise Man or King, a shepherd, a sheep or a cow, an Angel, or Mary or Joseph)

All are welcome to join us to celebrate the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ with Carols and Readings and culminating with the first Eucharist of Christmas.

Come as you are and why not bring one of your Christmas gifts to show everyone!

Our family friendly service for Christmas morning is just the thing to continue your Christmas Day celebrations - there will be carols and singing and a few surprises!

Come as you are and why not bring one of your Christmas gifts to show everyone!

Our family friendly service for Christmas morning is just the thing to continue your Christmas Day celebrations - there will be carols and singing and a few surprises!